Revitalising the Building

Jon Davis, the Pittsburgh-born CEO of The Davis Companies, had a vision of revitalising the building. He engaged Elkus Manfredi Architects as design architects and Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff and Goettel (PWWG) as executive architects to realize his vision.

The charge for the designers was to re-imagine what this extraordinary but deteriorated building could be, to make it a vibrant destination in the heart of Pittsburgh. A place that would attract retail and restaurant tenants and offer flexible, modern Class-A office spaces attracting innovation start-ups and traditional office tenants. The timing of the project was just right. The renaissance of the nearby downtown area know as the ‘Golden Triangle’ has brought more people back downtown.

The project

The revitalization project began in 2015, with completion of all infrastructure rehabilitation and renovation, public, amenity spaces, and upper floors completed summer 2016. During the process the bronze storefronts at street level and the existing marble floors were restored.

The Union Trust Company had added a two-story bronze grille gate when it occupied the southern half of the ground floor, which allowed the South Retail Arcade to be cordoned off. The gate became a special feature of the lobby. The Tiffany glass dome was relit to draw the eye upward.

The lobby was redesigned to create a gathering place with hospitality-inspired amenities and ambience where events can be held, and tenants can entertain clients and visitors.